A day-tripper’s Cascais guide

A leisurely post-luncheon stroll leads you along the coast to the dramatic ‘mouth of hell’ or Boca do Inferno, where waves crash violently into the rocky caves with a terrible, ear-splitting roar. No wonder the famous occultist Aleister Crowley chose to fake his own death at this legendary spot in 1930 – it’s very convincing. Appreciate the scene from a distance at restaurant Mar do Inferno, where the ocean views and seafood platters are enough to justify a second lunch.

Rent a bicycle or a scooter to explore the famous Praia do Guincho, which lies nine kilometres northwest of Cascais, and is rumoured to be the best beach near Lisbon. Powerful waves and strong undercurrents means the water is dangerous for swimmers, but surfers and windsurfers will be in their element: both world championships have been hosted here in the past, and novices are invited to take lessons with Moana Surf School based on Guincho Beach.

If you’d rather stay out of the waves, relax outside at the beachfront Bar do Guincho as the sun sinks into the deep Atlantic Ocean: the perfect way to wind down to your day out in Cascais.